Tools for the Clinician: The Essentials of Bedside (ED or ICU) Ultrasound for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Point-of-Care Ultrasonography in Internal Medicine: Limitations and Pitfalls for Novice Users

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly being adopted in the field of internal medicine, leading to the development of POCUS curricula in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education programs. Prominent internal medicine societies and organizations worldwide recognize the expanding utilization of POCUS by internal medicine physicians, emphasizing the need for practitioners to be aware of both its benefits and limitations. Despite the growing enthusiasm for POCUS, clinicians, particularly those with limited clinical experience, must be cautious regarding its inherent limitations and the potential impact on their clinical practice. This review aims to outline the limitations and potential drawbacks of POCUS for medical students, residents, and internists who wish to stay abreast of the escalating use of POCUS in internal medicine and have a desire, or have already commenced, to incorporate POCUS into their practice. Additionally, it provides recommendations for enhancing POCUS proficiency to mitigate these limitations.

Serological Parameters and Vascular Investigation for a Better Assessment in DVT during Pregnancy-A Systematic Review

Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent a condition characterized by a thrombotic predisposition. The majority of pregnant women do not face acute or severe thrombotic events. In general, mild inconveniences such as leg swelling or moderately painful thrombotic events (phlebitis) are encountered. However, when pregnancy is associated with inherited or acquired deficits that affect homeostasis, the risk of acute or even life-threatening events can increase significantly. The major consequence is the loss of the fetus or the venous thromboembolism that endangers the mother's life. Venous thromboembolism is caused by deep vein thrombosis, therefore timely detection and especially the assessment of the extent of the thrombotic event are crucial. In this paper we have summarized the most important paraclinical investigations. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the methods of investigation. The right choice allows establishing a correct diagnosis and individualizing the treatment.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Useful Diagnostic Tool in Africa

In resource limited settings with limited tests and diagnostic tools, most of diagnoses are based on clinical findings, and patients are managed empirically, e.g. with anti-tuberculosis drugs. This article aims at describing the use of point-of-care ultrasound in diagnosing the most important conditions in Africa, in addition to clinical work-up. Different protocols exist for the diagnosis of trauma-related disorders, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, thromboembolism, causes of dyspnea, and non- traumatic shock. Point-of-care ultrasound might be a beneficial tool in Africa, aiding diagnostics and management of patients with these conditions. However, studies must be done to assess the impact of point-of-care ultrasound on mortality.